When To Buy A Car Part I

Here are some quick tips that will shave down the price.

Comparison Shopping
First caveat: Find a car you want at a decent lot. Check out the lots and find the vehicle that fits your bill. Get an idea of its condition, its price, its make and its model.
See if you can find the same make and model for less.

Research local: Go to the other car lots. Who cares if they wheels are about to fall off of this 1999 Cherokee, if it's less than your ideal one at another lot, who cares.
Research online: Go to online sites like Craigslist and eBay.

Then, go back to the dealership for that ideal vehicle, armed with the price and location of the cheaper car. When you are bargaining, this is your lowest price. Test drive your preferred vehicle. Allow yourself to fall just a little in love with it. Then start to haggle. Let the dealer sell you on the vehicle. Then, pause and consider; say to the salesman: "I like this one, but Weezel Motors has the same year and model for $2000 less. If you can match their price, it's a deal." What can they do? If they say no, you can go to the competitor and haggle for an even lower price there.
Remember the cornerstone of this: you want to find a cheaper car elsewhere that is something you would not take. If its cheaper and better on another lot: go there instead.

Shop On Quota Day
Most dealerships have monthly quotas and cut-offs. Sell X cars by the 31st of the month and you'll meet your quota. On the afternoon of that cut-off day, the salesman has either sold his quota and he can be cavalier; or he needs more sales so he needs your sale bad.
Usually, the end of the month is the cut-off. If you can get some inside knowledge from a mechanic or one of the clerical people that will help. This is something a salesman will ever tell you, they always want your business today.